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Full-bodied wines expected from 2014 Mount Barker vintage

Announcement posted by Strategy Media 11 Apr 2014

WA wine region experiences near perfect growing conditions
After near perfect growing conditions, full-flavoured, intense wines are expected from the 2014 Mount Barker wine region vintage.
Growing conditions have been ideal with mild temperature without heat spikes, cool night-time temperatures, and low rainfall recorded.
Some Mount Barker wineries have finished picking while others are in their final week, according to Mt Barker Wine Producers Association president and Galafrey chief executive officer Kim Tyrer.
Yields appear to be mixed across the region, with some producers experiencing lower yields, with others showing yields up between 5-10 per cent.
“Galafrey is a dry grown vineyard, so the drier than normal conditions have resulted in lower yields in some varieties, particularly the reds, but the flavours are awesome,” Ms Tyrer said.
“We have produced some quality fruit which in turn produces a quality product in which to showcase Mount Barker.”
Plantagenet Wines winemaker Cath Oates said it had been an excellent vintage with good settled weather conditions without peaks of high temperatures, and consistently cool nights which had produced high acidity in the fruit.
“I am happy with what we have in the tank. Crops looked to be about normal but with smaller berries which have produced good flavours and colour; I expect wines with intense, concentrated flavours,” Ms Oates said.
“I am particularly happy with our Riesling which at this stage is very aromatic with strong floral notes. So it will be exciting to see how that progresses.”
West Cape Howe Wines winemaker Gavin Berry said it had been a great season for them with rainfall in September coming at a critical time.
“The rain in September-October set us up for a good season – it helped our vines establish a good canopy. The analysis looks like we have great fruit flavours coming through, there has been no disease pressure and the fruit has been allowed to ripen in a consistent manner,” Mr Berry said.
“We are just finishing picking our reds, but all in all I don’t think we could have asked for a better season.”
The Mount Barker wine region is located about three (3) hours south of Perth, and produces around 37% of wine grapes grown in WA making it one of Australia's largest regions. The climate in the region during growing season offers warm and sunny days providing important sunlight availability and excellent fruit ripening conditions, while the cool nights enhance and retain acidity.
Producers in the region include: Plantagenet Wines, Arcadia Wines, Galafrey Wines, West Cape Howe Wines, Chatsfield Wines, Clouds Estate Wines, Hawkers Ridge Wines, Gilberts Wines and Cafe, Poachers Ridge Wines, 3 Drops Wines, Windrush Wines and Vineyard Cafe.
For more information contact Mount Barker Wine Producers Association president Kim Tyrer on 0418 941 551 or go to www.mountbarkerwine.com.au.